With offers from four elite schools and outstanding exam results, Pham Mai Dung has become one of the most successful candidates in Hanoi’s 2026 admissions cycle.
Pham Mai Dung, a ninth-grade student at Thanh Xuan Secondary School in Hanoi, has made a strong impression during the 2026 admissions season by securing admission to five specialised programmes across four of the capital’s most prestigious high schools.
Pham Mai Dung secured admission to five specialised programmes across four elite high schools. Photo: Courtesy of the family.
A place in one specialised programme is considered a significant achievement. Mai Dung, however, was admitted to five programmes and excelled in two different subject streams - Literature and English.
She gained admission to the specialised English programmes at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, the High School for Gifted Students under Hanoi National University of Education, and the Foreign Language Specialised High School, where she was also awarded a partial scholarship.
She was also admitted to the specialised Literature programmes at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted and the High School for Gifted Social Sciences and Humanities.
With these results, Mai Dung not only became one of the most successful students in Class 9A5 at Thanh Xuan Secondary School but also ranked among the candidates with the highest number of specialised school admissions offers in Hanoi this year.
Her achievements did not stop there. In Hanoi’s public high school entrance examination, she scored a total of 28.75 points, including 10 in English, 9.75 in Mathematics and 9 in Literature - matching the score of one of the city’s highest-performing candidates in the 2026 admissions cycle.
Speaking to VietNamNet, Mai Dung said she was both surprised and deeply moved by the results.
"This achievement reflects not only my efforts over the past four years but also the support, care and guidance I have received from my parents, teachers and school," she said.
A student admired by teachers and classmates
Pham Mai Dung with Thanh Xuan Secondary School principal Nguyen Thanh Huyen. Photo: Courtesy of the family.
Teachers say the impressive achievements are backed by a determined and capable student whose quiet appearance conceals remarkable resilience.
Phung Quynh Nga, vice principal of Thanh Xuan Secondary School, said the school was proud of a student who had consistently ranked among its top performers.
According to Nga, Mai Dung possesses strong logical thinking skills, sharp critical reasoning and a high level of self-discipline.
"Mai Dung’s success is not a matter of chance. It is the result of persistent effort, determination and an unwavering commitment to her goals," Nga said.
Teachers also highlighted her eagerness to learn, openness to feedback and willingness to improve every day.
"Mai Dung’s thoughtful engagement, sharp insights and enthusiasm in class have often inspired teachers themselves and brought fresh energy into the classroom," Nga added.
Discussing her study habits, Mai Dung said perseverance and hard work were essential. She focuses on mastering fundamental knowledge before moving on to more advanced material.
She also keeps a record of mistakes and reviews them regularly.
"I believe I learn the most from the mistakes I make," she said.
This approach has helped her absorb knowledge more effectively and retain it over the long term.
Principal Nguyen Thanh Huyen (left), vice principal Phung Quynh Nga (right) and outstanding students of Thanh Xuan Secondary School in the 2025-2026 academic year. Photo: Courtesy of the family.
Mai Dung prioritises urgent tasks first before allocating time for revision and learning new material.
"When studying, I try to balance reinforcing core knowledge with practising more challenging exercises. I also take short breaks between study sessions to maintain focus and effectiveness," she said.
Beyond academics, Mai Dung actively participates in school cultural, artistic and sporting activities, as well as national and international competitions.
"She is also very popular among her classmates. In many ways, she is an all-round student," Nga said.
Despite having multiple options, Mai Dung has decided to enrol in the specialised English programme at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted.
English is her favourite subject and the field in which she has the clearest goals. At her new school, she hopes not only to benefit from a strong academic environment but also to become more involved in extracurricular activities.
In the 2026 admissions season, 205 of the 317 ninth-grade students from Thanh Xuan Secondary School who sat the entrance examinations gained admission to specialised high schools. The school recorded a total of 376 specialised admissions offers.
According to school statistics, students also achieved some of the highest average entrance examination scores in Hanoi, with many scoring above 25 points.
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